Product Photos and Listings

Photography

Photos sell products online.

• Lighting: soft, even light (a window with a diffuser or a light box); avoid harsh shadows.
• Background: clean and neutral for the main image; lifestyle shots in context for others.
• Shots: front, angles, details (texture, layer quality), scale (in a hand or next to a common object), in use, packaging.
• A phone camera is enough with good light and a steady surface.
• Renders (Blender) can show colour options, but buyers should always see real photos of the actual product.

Listing structure

1. Title: what it is, key feature and the words buyers search ("Headphone Stand for Desk, Minimalist, Cable Management, 3D Printed").
2. First photo that stands out in search results.
3. Description: benefits first, then specifications (size, material, colours), care instructions, shipping time and personalisation options.
4. Tags/keywords matching buyer searches.
5. Variations for colour and size instead of separate listings.

Be honest about the process

State that items are 3D printed, show close-ups of the surface, and describe materials accurately (PLA is not dishwasher safe; avoid claiming food safety unless you have verified it). Honesty reduces returns and bad reviews.

Exercise

Photograph one product with five standard shots, write a listing with an optimised title, benefit-led description, specifications and tags, and ask two people unfamiliar with the product what they think it is from the first photo alone.

Check yourself

• What makes a good main product photo?
• What belongs in a listing title?
• Why disclose that items are 3D printed?